Rapier1772 wrote:How does a pacesetter different from regular dies? Other than the powder dipper & shell holder included.

I think that is the difference...the extras. Most of their Pacesetter rifle die sets also come with a third factory crimp die. But for the rarer calibers like the 5.7 or 204 Ruger where they haven't developed a factory crimp die (yet?), they just sell it as a two die set with the extras, as opposed to their RGB (really great buy) sets, which only come with the two dies.

Actually, they only offer it as the Pacesetter set, and even then it's always classified as a "Very Limited Production" set. They don't even list it as one of the available calibers on their web site (http://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/ ... 2-die-set/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). :facepalm:

Edit: My bad. It is shown far below (http://leeprecision.com/v-ltd-2-die-5.7x28.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), it's just not shown in the preliminary list. I notice it says powder dipper and load data are not included, but that's not true. The set I just got from Ammodepot included the dipper, and load data identical to that in the latest Lee reloading manual (2nd edition Rvsd).

I found the RCBS #45 shell holder at Precision Reloading. Only had to wait three weeks for it. I don't plan to use the Lee shell holder that came with the dies after reading all the negative posts here.

Something I hadn't seen listed anywhere is a powder checker or lockout die.

I've used the RCBS Powder Check die as well as a RCBS lockout die (modified) and they both work quite well.
If you're using a single stage it's really not necessary, but on a progressive it is a nice monitoring method.

The lockout is nice in that it locks the press out if you get a significantly higher or lower volume of powder in the case, while the check die just shows you if the current powder level is close to what you set the die at.

I purchased the case gauge and dillon 550 shell plate a few weeks ago but could not get the RCBS trim plate. The trim plate is now in stock along with some bullets (not loaded ammo). Glad to see a few things back in stock.

As mentioned in another post, I picked up a Five Seven this week and am starting the process of setting up to be able to reload. My basic reloading set up is:

Redding Ultramag Single Stage Press - I ordered a couple of Redding #35 shellholders which I understand will work with 5.7x28

Hornady LNL Progressive Ammo Plant - I ordered a custom shellplate from Hornady for the LNL press...and I am well aware of and understand that decapping/primer seating must be done in the single stage press

Most of my die set are the three piece Redding Titanium Carbide Competition sets. Redding doesn't make a set like that for 5.7x28 so I ordered a Redding three piece Deluxe Die Set [Redding Part# 84477, brownells.com Part# 749-007-802WS].

I use an LE Wilson Stainless Trimmer for case length trimming....they don't make collets for 5.7x28 as a standard size, but will make custom collets if three cases are provided. My sense is that the way to submit cases is to wait until I have the dies in hand, and size the cases using the actual dies in my set up rather than send spent cases so the gauge track the sized cases I would intend to use.

Has anyone gone down this path and would care to share experiences? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the thoughts....at present I have owned and use Redding dies in 5.56x45, 7.62x51, .338LM, 9MM, .40S&W, and .45ACP....and LE Wilson press type dies in the three rifle calibers. I have had nothing but less than experiences with Lee and RCBS dies in 30 years of reloading obviously with various differences in intensity. So my decision as to dies is done, the question really focuses on case trimming...thanks for the input.

The list at the top of this post is pretty comprehensive, and has helped me narrow my shopping list, but I'm not quite set up just yet. I'm having some difficulty figuring out which pieces of the list are interchangeable, and which are required. I already have the following items:

The question I have specifically, is whether or not I need a primer/de-primer in addition to this set of dies, or does one of the lyman dies do this? (Lyman's website doesn't specify)
If the lyman dies don't deprime/prime, is there something I can use that fits the Dillon? (it seems silly to buy a standalone primer/deprimer instead of using the Dillon's 4th station)
If I have to buy the priming stuff seperately that's fine, I just want to avoid buying more equipment if I can use the Dillon's 4th station.

I hope this hasn't already been asked, but if anyone is using a similar setup and can help me out, I'd appreciate it.